The Writing Process

Joy’s Writing Process for ELP Choose a Topic 2. Brainstorm the Topic 3. Make a Thesis Statement 4. Brainstorm each Sub-topic 5. Outline each body paragraph 6. Write a detailed outline for each paragraph 7. Write your First Draft 8. Write an Introduction 9. Write a Conclusion 10. Revise your essay 11. Edit your essay 12. Write your final copy

Step 1 Choose a Topic Sometimes, the topic will be given to you by the instructor. OR There will be a selection of topics to choose from. Choose a topic that is interesting for you and that you know something about. Don’t be afraid to choose and then re-choose a topic!

Step 2 Brainstorm your topic(page 57 GW4) Answer questions: Who, What, Where, When, Why or How Make a list of adjectives, verbs, or nouns related to the topic. Write down any ideas or phrases that you know about the topic. Make a cluster or web about the topic.

Step 3 Generate a thesis statement with three subtopics from your brainstorming. Use parallel structure for your thesis statement. Think of subtopics such as : individual, community, and country. Physically, emotionally, financially, or socially Noun, noun, noun Adjective, adjective, adjective

Step 4 Brainstorm Each Subtopic. Use the same brainstorming techniques to brainstorm each of your subtopics.

Step 5 Write an outline for your body paragraphs Use point form These are supporting details of your main points Use examples, explanations, definitions, facts, reason, personal experience

Step 6 Write a detailed outline using the points from your general outline. Use simple sentences in the detailed outline.

Step 7 Write your First Draft. Start with your thesis statement. Include a variety of sentence types by creating compound and complex sentences from your simple sentences. Choose appropriate vocabulary from the Academic Word List (AWL). DO NOT USE the word YOU- instead refer to people or individuals Double space and write on loose leaf paper. Don’t worry about errors in spelling or grammar!

Step 8 Write your introduction paragraph. Include a hook sentence Include Background or Connecting Information Include your stated thesis statement

Step 9 Write your conclusion paragraph. Restate your THESIS statement using different words. Add some summary or general sentences about the topic. Add a concluding sentence: an opinion or a prediction. Don’t forget to include a transition word: In conclusion; To sum up; In brief;

Step 10 Revise your essay. Is your essay well organized? Is your essay interesting? Are all of your supporting points different. Have you put your most interesting paragraph first or last? Is your vocabulary academic?

Step 11 Edit your essay. Underline the subject and verb in every sentence. Check for sentence variety: include simple, compound and complex sentences. Check for articles! Write your Title-5 words or less; capitalize correctly

Step 12 Write your final copy. Consider your formatting Your Name Date Assignment ELP 70 Title Indent your essay. Don’t forget the hook sentence comes at the beginning of your essay.